China's Rich Split on Philanthropy

BEIJING—The visit of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to China this week has triggered an unprecedented public discussion about philanthropy among the country's new class of ultrarich.

Since the pair announced plans for the trip in mid-August—and expressed their desire to meet with the country's tycoons over dinner Wednesday to discuss charitable giving—Chinese media have been abuzz with debate about the role of the wealthy in China. At least one tycoon has announced grand plans for posthumous donations, but others have...